Nigeria is poised to take a historic leap into space exploration thanks to a groundbreaking partnership. The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has joined forces with the Space Exploration & Research Agency (SERA) to send the first Nigerian citizen on a suborbital spaceflight aboard a Blue Origin New Shepard capsule.
This mission marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s space ambitions. Since establishing NASRDA in 1998 and launching its first satellite, Nigeria Sat-1, in 2003, the country has consistently strived towards space exploration. In 2016, they even set a goal of sending an astronaut to space by 2030.
The upcoming suborbital flight offers a unique opportunity to accelerate this dream. SERA, a global space agency, is reserving a seat for a Nigerian on their upcoming mission. This initiative, in partnership with Blue Origin, aims to promote diversity in space exploration by sending individuals from historically underrepresented nations. In 2022, they successfully sent a Brazilian civil engineer, Victor Hespanha, to space.
The selection process for the Nigerian spacefarer will be open to all citizens above 18 years old. This democratic approach reflects Nigeria’s commitment to inspiring future generations and fostering a wider interest in space exploration.
Reacting to the news, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Godfrey Nnaji, emphasized the importance of this mission. “Human space flight is not just a random aspiration of our country,” he declared. Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director General of NASRDA, echoed this sentiment, viewing the partnership as a testament to Nigeria’s growing role in the global space community.
This suborbital flight is just the beginning for Nigeria’s space journey. It signifies the nation’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration and igniting a passion for space among its citizens.